Pretty

Pronunciation: /ˈprɪti/

Origin: English

The surname Pretty is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "prætt," meaning cunning or wily. The surname was likely originally bestowed as a nickname upon someone with a clever or witty personality.

Although not among the most common surnames in the United Kingdom, Pretty can be found distributed across various regions of the country. The name has historical roots in East Anglia, particularly in the county of Norfolk.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Pretty include the British author and etiquette expert Margery Pretty (1886–1971), as well as various figures in academia, business, and the arts.

In modern times, the surname Pretty continues to be carried by families across England, Scotland, Wales, and beyond, thus preserving its heritage and legacy.

There are approximately 1,569 people named Pretty in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,169th most common surname in Britain. Around 24 in a million people in Britain are named Pretty.

Surname type: Nickname

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Simon
  • William

Female

  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Elaine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jean
  • Michelle
  • Patricia
  • Sandra
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Tracey

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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